REICHE vs SATIE: Vexations

REICHE vs SATIE: Vexations

Date Saturday, June 8, at 12:00 p.m., to  June 9 at 12:00 p.m.

Artist Christopher Reiche

Genre Concert/Fundraiser

Place Open Space, 510 Fort Street

Admission $20 Purchase of two cycles of Vexations; three cyles for $25

Endurance athletics doesn t typically come to mind when we think of compositions for the piano. With his 1892-93 composition Vexations, Eric Satie issued a longstanding challenge to pianists, composers, and audiences. Many modernist composers and musicians including the revered John Cage have embraced the complexities and rewards of Satie s long work for piano.

Cage noted that Vexations demands much of its audience. Cage also asserted that Vexations illustrates "the great difference between an idea and an experience.

Victoria composer, pianist, and educator Christopher Reiche tackles Vexations at Open Space on June 8 and 9. In contrast to the performance of Vexations that was organized by John Cage at the Pocket Theater, New York, in September 1963, which involved a relay of pianists performing the 840 cycles of the work, Reiche will perform Vexations solo. Vexations requires between 18 and 24 hours to perform.

Reiche s marathon performance is a fundraiser for Open Space s new music program. Tickets are $20 for two cycles of Vexations and $25 for three cyles.

The marathon will showcase the art of local foodies who have volunteered to create food that complements Reiche s performance of Satie's Vexations.